Knee Varicose Veins May Mimic Arthritis Pain, Requiring Careful Diagnosis

As varicose veins near the knee worsen, they can produce considerable discomfort that patients may mistake for the symptoms of knee arthritis. Distinguishing between these two sources of pain hinges on identifying the factors that aggravate the condition.

Joint-related pain typically intensifies with movement, such as rising from a seated position. In contrast, pain stemming from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is not directly linked to movement but tends to worsen after prolonged periods of standing or sitting. Crossing the legs, which further pressurizes already compromised veins, can also exacerbate this type of pain.

Foam sclerotherapy offers a treatment option to close the problematic veins in the vicinity of the knee. Achieving significant relief often necessitates multiple sessions ( 2- 3 sessions), as the knee veins frequently originate in the outer and anterior calf regions. Complete closure of the veins supplying the kneecap is required for symptomatic and cosmetic improvement.

Recovery following treatment of knee veins can be a more protracted process compared to other areas due to the difficulty in avoiding direct pressure and trauma.

I advise our patients to refrain from crossing their legs and kneeling, particularly during activities like gardening, for at least a week while maintaining an active lifestyle.